Small bites and appetizer boards are one of my favorite things to host with. Put a glass of wine in someone’s hand and some finger food in front of them and it’s game over. Sprouts’ new line of olive oil provides the perfect twist on a small bite occasion; each one has its own unique flavor and a perfect pairing.

Tapenade Instructions:

Place ingredients in a food processor and pulse until mixture has achieved a fine texture. Do not pulse the mixture into a pulp.

Top with fresh parsley and serve!

Tips for Creating Your Board

Contrast

This by far is rule number one. You want to have a wide variety of flavors, colors and textures on your board. If there is something crunchy on your plate (nuts, crackers, veggies) fill out the rest of the board with some soft items (cheese, jams, hummus). If you have a salty or briny item (olives, salami, Parmesan) have milder options as well (brie, carrots, grapes). If your board consists of mostly yellow or orange (crackers, carrots, cheddar) add a pop of green (bell peppers, cucumbers, or a light arugula salad).

Be Generous

People are always tentative to take the first slice of pie, and the last. With this in mind, make your board look approachable and make sure there is plenty of everything. Slice hard cheeses, meats and breads so they are easy to grab and put crackers and other items in multiple spots people aren’t reaching over each other to get a little bit everything.

Flavors

Incorporate a wide array of flavors. Sweet, salty, briny, spicy, are all great places to start. In this spread, chocolate covered cashews provide a bit of sweet and crackers and whole olives give a much-needed crunch. The salami is encrusted with spicy pepper, and the heat pairs wonderfully with a mild and buttery fontina cheese. A lightly seasoned cracker and soft rosemary bread go with any accouterments and the tapenade spread provided a kick of brine. My ricotta mixture incorporated a light and clean flavor and was perfect for topping on the heirloom tomatoes, which also provided a wonderful pop of color.

Meet Rachel Nichols

Food Stylist and Blogger

Rachel is a graphic designer and photographer residing in Denver, Colorado. She runs The Fond Life, a food blog and online shop for the at-home cook who loves food and making their kitchen bright. On the weekends (and many weekdays) you will find her on mountain tops, climbing on rocks, playing grass volleyball, camping and snowboarding. She is a firm believer in adventuring in all seasons, in the kitchen or out of it.

We’ve made whipping up fresh salad dressings at home a cinch! Simply toss ingredients into a blender until well combined and drizzle over your favorite veggie blend. Here’s your DIY guide to homemade salad dressings:

Orange Ginger Dressing

2 Tbsp. Soy sauce

2 Tbsp. Olive oil

1/2 Roma tomato

1/2 Rice vinegar

1 Orange, juiced

1 Tbsp. Honey

1 Tbsp. Ginger, peeled and chopped

1 Garlic clove

Blueberry Cilantro Dressing

2 Tbsp. Olive oil

1 1/2 Tbsp. White wine vinegar

1/2 cup Blueberries

1/2 tsp. Honey

1/8 cup Fresh cilantro

Sweet Basil

3/4 cup Olive oil

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 cup Rice wine vinegar

2 Tbsp. Honey

2 cups Basil

1 Garlic clove

Lemon Honey Dressing

1/2 cup Sunflower oil

1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

2 Lemons, juiced and zested

1 Tbsp. Honey

1/2 Onion, minced

1 Garlic clove

Strawberry Basil Dressing

Prepping Thanksgiving dinner can be tough—especially when little ones are involved. Creating an entire Thanksgiving spread and getting your kiddos to eat this balanced meal is a feat to feel thankful for when achieved.
Luckily, we’ve got a kid-approved snack that’s easy to make and fun to eat! Kids will love that these adorable turkey cups are just for them and you’ll love knowing this snack is packed full of good-for-you ingredients.

It’s only tradition that the Halloween spirit takes over neighborhoods with custom carved pumpkins on porches and doorsteps. Carving pumpkins is a fun activity the whole family can take part in. From ghoulish gourds to traditional jack-o’-lanterns, everyone can enjoy making their own “spook-tacular” creation. We’ve put together tips to help you achieve your pumpkin carving goals—whether it’s flexing your artistic abilities, lighting the way for trick-or-treaters or just getting in the spirit!
Before the designing begins, carve a trench out of your pumpkin. Not only will this help to clean it out, but you’ll also be set when it’s time to place a candle inside and put it on display.
Use a dry erase marker to draw out a design on your pumpkin. Unlike a permanent marker, you’ll be able to erase any mistakes before carving your masterpiece!
Hammers and cookie cutters may not be conventional tools for pumpkin carving but don’t knock it until you try it! Using both will help make cleaner lines on the pumpkin and ultimately result in a cleaner carving. Kiddos will love seeing their favorite shapes on their pumpkin, too!
Place a tea-light candle in a small glass votive to avoid any fire hazards. Lighting your pumpkin with battery-powered tea lights is another safe option.
New uses for pumpkins! For a fun addition to a holiday spread, you can also carve out half the pumpkin and place a bowl inside for serving snacks and drinks.
Remember the options are limitless! You can also use a watermelon or pineapple to create a new twist on the classic jack-o’-lantern. In these versions, you get an after-carving snack!

If your mom is a baker—and if she enjoys tea— she’ll love these jars assembled with ingredients to make delicious tea cookies. These jars are easy to assemble and the kiddos will enjoy putting them together too! Add her favorite tea to make a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift. For a finishing touch, use a pretty ribbon or string to tie the directions around the jar.

Ingredients

1 cup Butter, softened

2 1/2 Tbsp. Loose tea leaves (fruit flavors work best) finely ground

2/3 cup Sugar

2 Egg yolks

1 1/2 tsp. Vanilla

2 1/4 cups Flour

1/2 cup Chocolate chips

Jar Assembly

Layer all ingredients in jar except butter and egg yolks. Place the lid on the jar. Use yarn or string to tie the recipe tag around the lid.

Every year you face the same dilemma: What should I get for my loved ones? What did I get them last year? And, of course, can I get away with a simple gift card?
We recommend making something crafted with love by your very own hands. It’s easier than you think, and in the end, it really is the thought that counts.
Even if you haven’t attempted a handmade gift since that stunning Crayola family portrait a few decades ago, there is hope this holiday season. Admittedly, some of it comes from the Internet, where anything is seemingly possible; but we’ve unearthed a few good handcrafted gift ideas that seem both charming and simple.

Herb-Infused Olive Oil

Add a little spice to plain old olive oil. Infused olive oils are perfect for sautéeing your favorite vegetables, as a dressing, or drizzled on freshly cooked hot pasta with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. They also look pretty snazzy just sitting there in the bottle, if you get some of the cool bottles from The Container Store.
Here’s how: Stuff a handful of herbs in decorative, food-safe bottles, preferably with a rubber stopper, and add oil. Try chile peppers for a kick, or rosemary for a classic taste. Adorn the bottles with pretty ribbon and a label describing what’s inside. Please Note: If fresh herbs are used, then the oil must be stored in a cool dry place (in the refrigerator for garlic) and used within a week to avoid spoilage and possible illness. The safest bet is to use fresh herbs that have been washed and then completely dried in a food dehydrator until all moisture is gone.
Make it even more special: Pair with a bottle of fine balsamic vinegar and a few of your favorite olive oil recipes.

Aztec Hot Chocolate

Nothing says comfort like a steaming mug of hot chocolate on a chilly winter’s night. Kick up the volume with this exotic twist on classic cocoa, guaranteed to toast your tootsies.
Here’s how: In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder, 3/4 cup superfine sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder (found in the Bulk spice area), 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, 1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Transfer mix into a small container or a cellophane bag and attach with a note to mix 2-3 tablespoons with 1 cup of hot water or milk.
Make it even more special: Tuck the cocoa into a BPA-free travel mug with a few cinnamon sticks bundled with a bow.

Scented Bath Salts

In the little corner of the store we like to call “HBA” (Health and Body Care), you’ll find everything you need to give the gift of relaxation in a warm bath. Measure three cups of Epsom salt into a large plastic Ziploc storage bag. Add 10-15 drops of your choice of 100 percent pure essential oil. (Popular options include eucalyptus, which is clarifying, and lavender, which is calming; but Sprouts has many to choose from.) Shake, squeeze, and massage bag vigorously to mix the salts and oil. Package the scented salts in a pretty glass jar with a lid. Be sure to print up some labels to mark the scents.
Make it even more special: Consider gifting the bath salts with an inflatable bath pillow and a few votive candles in a matching scent.
If handmade gifts are not your speed, Sprouts still has you covered for inexpensive yet thoughtful items guaranteed to produce a smile. You might find books and CDs, organic cotton gifts, scented sachets, and always, always, lots of vino (remember, when you buy any six bottles, mix and match, you get a free wine carrier—a great excuse to play the “one for you and two for me” game!).

On a cold winter’s day, there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a hot cup of cocoa. While hot cocoa is delicious to enjoy on its own, stir things up this season with our top four ways to up your hot cocoa game. Whether you like it icy, spicy or with a hint of mint, here are a few tips to get you started.

S’mores Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

2 cups Milk, any kind

1 cup Water

1/4 cup Hot Cocoa

2 Tbsp. Chocolate syrup

2 Tbsp. Sugar

Graham crackers, crushed to line rim

1/2 cup Marshmallows

Instructions

Preheat oven to low broil and place baking sheet on the highest rack.

Take a few marshmallows and rub them around the top of your mugs so the graham crackers will stick. Then, dip mug in graham cracker crumbs until well lined.

Heat milk and water in a saucepan over medium heat until warm—about 5 minutes.

Pour hot chocolate in mug and top with 1/4 cup of marshmallows each. Carefully set mugs on the baking sheet in the oven and broil marshmallows until browned, keep a close eye on them as not to let them burn.

Carefully remove from the oven.

Top with a drizzle of chocolate syrup and extra graham cracker crumbs.

Frozen Hot Cocoa

Ingredients

1/2 cup (4 oz.) Chocolate

1 packet Hot Cocoa

2 Tbsp. Sugar

2 cups Milk, any kind

3 cups Ice cubes

Instructions

Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in a glass container, then microwave in 10–20 second intervals until melted.

Add in hot cocoa mix and sugar to melted chocolate. Mix until blended.

Whether you’re trying to relax, de-stress or get energized, using an essential oil diffuser can be a great way to put you in the right frame of mind and add the perfect ambiance to your home or office. Feeling overwhelmed about what combination of oils to use? Take a deep breath—we’ve made it easy for you! Mix things up with these rejuvenating essential oil blends:

Wake Up

1 drop Basil oil

2 drops Lemon oil

2 drops Ylang ylang oil

Energizing

1 drop Peppermint oil

1 drop Rosemary oil

2 drops Cinnamon cassia oil

Rise & Shine

6 drops Rosemary oil

3 drops Peppermint oil

2 drops Basil oil

2 drops Ginger oil

Goodnight Sleep

2 drops Sage oil

1 drop Ylang ylang oil

20 drops Neroli oil

Calming Night

4 drops Cypress oil

4 drops Lavender oil

4 drops Marjoram oil

Relaxing

2 drops Jasmine fragrance

2 drops Lavender oil

15 drops Vanilla oil

Unwind Time

Using everyday groceries to their fullest potential is a great way to see how much good-for-you foods can offer from start to finish.
You’ll love flexing your creativity muscles as well as taking steps to a greener and more sustainable future. We used Sprouts products that we had finished enjoying to make these fun crafts! From soup cans to eggshells, see how everyday staples can be transformed with a little thinking outside the grocery bag.

Soup Can Lanterns

What You’ll Need:

Cans from soup, beans or veggies

Nails

Power drill

Hammer (optional)

Votive candles

Directions:

Start by cleaning out and removing any packaging on the can. Use a paper stencil and a pen to draw out a design on the can.
Place can on a stable surface and secure it so it cannot move. Carefully use a nail and drill to puncture the metal by following the design you’ve made. You can tap a nail with a hammer a few times to first puncture the hole and then follow through with a drill for an easier break. Continue creating small holes in the metal until the design is complete.
When finished, place a votive candle inside.

Storage Jars

What You’ll Need:

Jars from salsa, nut butters, pasta sauce and more

Twine or ribbon (optional)

Household essentials

Directions:

Clean and remove packaging from the jars you’re using. Add a decorative touch by either adorning with ribbon or twine.
Place your household essentials in the jars according to your preferences.

Eggshell Planters

What You’ll Need:

Planting soil and your favorite herbs

Eggs

Bowl

Small spoon

Small knife

Spray bottle with water (optional)

Directions:

Not only are eggshells a unique place to house your plants, they also offer nutrients, enabling them to act as an all-natural fertilizer for your plants.
Start by gently tapping around the egg’s circumference on a hard surface to crack open the shells. Pour the egg into a bowl and set aside. Gently rinse cracked eggshells and place them out in their carton to dry. Once dry, carefully create a hole at the base of each eggshell. Start from the inside of the shell to make a drainage hole.
Use a spoon to scoop planting soil into each eggshell. Plant seeds and follow your seed’s specific instructions for how to plant it into the soil. Spritz the soil with water.
Be sure to place your planters in an area that gets regular sunlight. Once the plant begins to sprout, you’ll be able to transfer it over to a more generously sized pot so it can grow without restraint.

Why play tricks this Halloween when you can treat yourself to a DIY fall-filled spa day? From a snickerdoodle body scrub to a soothing oatmeal face mask, you’ll be surrounded by sweet fall scents and utter relaxation. Feel boo-tiful with these easy fall DIYs.

Video Description: Tune in to learn how to make Snickerdoodle Body Scrub, Oatmeal Face Mask and Soothing Body Soak recipes by One Lovely Life. Recipes included below.

Simple Snickerdoodle Body Scrub

If cold season dryness is plaguing your skin, give this coconut sugar body scrub a try! It will help exfoliate and moisturize dry skin. For a 60-second pseudo manicure/pedicure, scrub mixture into your hands or feet for one minute, then rinse in warm water and pat dry. You won’t believe the difference!
(Note that this mixture is a bit too coarse for the face and is meant for body use only. Also, if you’re using it in the tub or shower, know that the coconut oil can make things a little slippery!)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Big Tree Farms Vanilla Coconut Sugar

1/3 cup Sprouts Coconut Oil

1/2 tsp. Cinnamon

1/2 tsp. Nutmeg

Instructions:

In a food processor, combine coconut sugar, coconut oil, cinnamon and nutmeg until creamy and smooth.

Transfer to a jar with a lid. Store at room temperature for up to one month.

To use, gently apply a small scoop of the scrub to dry skin and rub gently to exfoliate and moisturize. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

If your mixture separates, simply stir it a bit with your finger before using.

Soothing, Calming Oatmeal Face Mask

If your skin is feeling a little dry or irritated, this soothing oatmeal mask will do the trick! Oatmeal calms inflamed or dry skin, and coconut oil adds a natural layer of moisturizer that will hydrate dry skin without clogging pores. If you need a little help clearing up a breakout, you can also add 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the mixture!

Instructions:

Transfer to a jar with a lid and store at room temperature for up to one week.

To use, spread 3-4 tablespoons of the mixture over a clean (freshly-washed) face and let sit for at least 5–10 minutes. Rinse off and gently pat your face dry.

Soothing Body Soak

This soothing, detoxifying body soak is great when you’re tired, sore or overwhelmed. Try experimenting with various oil combinations for a different effect—cinnamon, clove and eucalyptus for a dose of fall aromatherapy, lavender for a relaxing effect, or a combination of peppermint and orange for an energy boost.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Sprouts Epsom Salts

1/2 cup Baking soda

10 drops Favorite essential oils

Instructions:

Place all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl and massage together with your fingers. (This will help distribute the oils evenly.)

Transfer to a jar with a lid and store for up to one month.

To use, scoop 1/2 cup of the mixture into a warm bath, sit back, and enjoy! Soak 20–40 minutes, for best results!

Meet Emily

Healthy Living Blogger and Recipe Developer

Emily lives, loves and cooks at One Lovely Life, where she shares healthy recipes and inspiration for living a happy, full life. You’ll find fresh, vibrant, allergy-friendly recipes that don’t feel like they’re missing anything. In addition to healthy recipes on her blog, you’ll find made-over sweet treats, book recommendations and tips for living a life you love.